During the first half of 2026, industrial-grade dihydrate calcium chloride (CaCl₂·2H₂O, purity ≥74%–77%, flake/pellet form) market quotations maintained an overall stable trend. Market benchmark prices remained essentially unchanged from January through mid-June, with limited price fluctuation.
Technical background for H1 price stability: From January to June, no significant changes occurred in the market supply-demand fundamentals. Production facilities in North China and Shandong maintained stable operating rates; co-product capacity from soda ash production continued to release, ensuring adequate market supply. This period falls in the off-season for deicing demand, with downstream procurement primarily through long-term contracts, and spot negotiations maintaining relatively flexible terms – lacking short-term demand-side momentum for price increases.
Prices entering upward trend since July: Entering July, dihydrate calcium chloride market conditions showed a moderate upward trend. Key drivers include: upstream energy costs (coal, steam, electricity comprising approximately 30% of production costs) and hydrochloric acid feedstock price fluctuations exerting support on ex-factory prices; concurrently, price transmission effects from increased anhydrous calcium chloride export orders have also influenced dihydrate pricing. While showing an upward trend, current prices remain below the previous 12-month high level, indicating the upward movement is relatively moderate.
Operational reference: Dihydrate calcium chloride deicing performance is determined by its solution freezing point (approximately -18°C to -20°C at 25%–30% concentration), dissolution rate (exothermic properties), and particle size uniformity (3–5mm, fines ≤5%). Entering Q4, the commencement of winter road maintenance stockpiling in northern regions is expected to increase purchase volumes, potentially further supporting price strengthening. Buyers are advised to monitor the July–September price window and evaluate phased procurement strategies, while tracking soda ash co-product line capacity changes that may affect supply consistency.
